Welcome to the Piano World Piano ForumsOver 2.5 million posts about pianos, digital pianos, and all types of keyboard instruments
Join the World's Largest Community of Piano Lovers
(it's free)
It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!

Hello... just found this site. Basically I don't know how to read music and have never had music lessons... can't sing on key. BUT...I LOVE music of all kinds and have always wanted to learn the piano. I know finding a teacher is crucial, buying a piano (digital?), practice... my dream would be to sit down and play a piece of any type of music and enjoy/love what I'm playing... My fear... too old, learning will be too difficult... My questions: Anyone other newbies start at this age? How should I begin this process? How much would I have to spend on a piano that isn't a toy and has quality sound of some sort? Digital or acoustic? Just writing this make me overwhelmed. I'd appreciate any help in trying to make this dream a reality. Thank you! Jill

Hi Jill, welcome to Piano World. You've found a great site for advice and support.

Throw away the fear that you're "too old" to learn. You're never too old to learn something new. I'm on the high side of middle-age, but I decided to go to college (never went as a young'un) and I'm now working on my Bachelor's in IT. So, yeah, you can learn something new at any age.

You're right that a good teacher is paramount, and I mean a teacher that's good for you. Not everybody fits with everybody else. It's okay to interview potential teachers. There are a lot of people here with far more experience who are much smarter than I am to help guide you.

The piano that's right for you is subjective. It depends on your budget, how far you want to go, what you want to accomplished. My only advice as one who ka-noodles at the keyboard is to take your time and look around. There are some really great digitals out there to get you started if you really want to keep the price down until you get a feel for whether you want to move ahead. If you opt for an acoustic, don't be afraid of used instruments, but let the buyer beware. When you own an acoustic, your piano technician will be your best friend. Find a reputable tech and have him/her look at any used piano you're considering regardless if the seller is an individual or dealer. Again, folks with more experience/smarts than me will give you some good guidance.

Hi Jill! I started from scratch at 63. I'm not the fastest learner, but I'm still at it, and having a ball. My piano is a digital - for space, monetary and personal reasons. I don't expect to ever play like someone who has taken lessons all their lives, but I can play simple pieces well enough to entertain myself and my grandchildren. Go for it!

Hello Jill, you've come to exactly the right place here - a very friendly and supportive group. I also just started this year, at 64 - had always wanted to play the piano but never got the opportunity and then sort of thought it was 'too late'. Alfred's Adult All-in-One Course is a good place to start - assumes no knowledge and guides through you step by step - and this website is very supportive and helpful. I got a Yamaho Aries Digigal Piano in March for my birthday - it's very neat and is excellent for my purposes - am loving every minute of it and just wish I'd started earlier. Am very happy with my digital piano - can use the headphones if I want to play at unsocial hours. I started having lessons - but have only had 2 so far and intend to have them 'as and when' I feel I need extra help. Best of luck and welcome!

Let me add one more encouraging voice. I started like you from total scratch about 3 1/2 years ago at age 57. First self teaching on a digital, but quickly realizing I was going to stick with it and would need a teacher. The accoustic came because I could afford it and wanted that experience.

As long as you have the time to practice regularly, and you apply yourself to the learning in a reasonable fashion (you will find all kinds of advice hereabouts on "how" to practice), there is no reason why you can't achieve the goals you have shared with us.

Keep us updated on your progress. You can come over to the Achievement of the Week Thread (AOTW) to celebrate every little baby step you take.

Welcome Jilski! I'm 45 and learning with pianoforall and Steve's Fur Elise tutorials ( a member here). I had a teacher but he moved out of the area in the summer. I am happy to work on my own for awhile but will get another teacher at some point when my confidence grows- I have a real problem with anyone seeing me "play"- even my friends- I get shaky hands.What I'd also say is that many people will give you advice on what courses to do, approaches, teacher, no teachers etc and what I have come to realise is finding the way you learn best. Me, I learn best by myself- especially watching video tutorials and the pianoforall course ( videos, mp3s and ebooks), and am not good at sight reading and need to focus on the chords based method primarily. I feel this strongly and feel the penny will drop quicker! Also find out your own strengths- I am more visual- looking at patterns and if I see and hear something being played then I can learn it quicker than with just the sheet music on it's own.I can also pick out tunes and scales by ear.Also it may sound simplistic but playing music that you really LOVE helps well. I adore Beethoven and have done better learning the first line of Fur Elise than anything else I have done so far.

Thank you all for spending time to write lovely words of encouragement and excellent suggestions as to how to go about pursuing my piano dream. I've spent several hours on line today researching digital vs acoustical pianos. At this point a digital piano seems like it would fit into my life easier than an acoustic... but will research more. Going to various stores will be next. I'll also be putting some calls in to various piano teachers and checking out different online videos and books. I'm so ready to jump in... but realize this is just the beginning of a process and getting a piano will be the first thing on my agenda. Edwardian, thank you for making me think about the best way I learn. Angelsong, which Yamaha Aries model do you have? That series seems to be very popular. Thanks again... open to suggestions as to pianos. Can't do very large or very expensive. Jill

Jill, I'm 64 and never had any training and thought it would be very good mind exercise to do something besides Photography (which I still do almost everyday). Last year Santa brought me a Yamaha P105 with stand, stool, and Emedia's "piano and keyboard" software. Due to physical limitations I practice about 30-45 minute at least 5 days a week. And its a lot of fun. My expectations are low but my fun level is very high. I did take my ear phones and at least tried the Casio 150 and the Yamaha P105 for my small budget (Got every thing for about $650 I think).

It will be a year in early December, and I can now sight read, know several key hand positions, and am about a 1/3 of the way through the software lessons. Its been fun and stimulating, and still going so it was the right decision for me. Hope you find what you need and have as much fun as I've had.

Hello... just found this site. Basically I don't know how to read music and have never had music lessons... can't sing on key. BUT...I LOVE music of all kinds and have always wanted to learn the piano. I know finding a teacher is crucial, buying a piano (digital?), practice... my dream would be to sit down and play a piece of any type of music and enjoy/love what I'm playing... My fear... too old, learning will be too difficult... My questions: Anyone other newbies start at this age? How should I begin this process? How much would I have to spend on a piano that isn't a toy and has quality sound of some sort? Digital or acoustic? Just writing this make me overwhelmed. I'd appreciate any help in trying to make this dream a reality. Thank you! Jill

__________

Finally, somebody who wants to be a beginner and is older than I am! I am 64 and counting! Firstly, age is never a barrier to most things and certainly not a barrier to learning to play the piano.

I have been playing 2 years and love it. It is all I want to do until I die. But let's not get excited - because - when we want to do something we haven't done before, we think we know we will like it and sometimes we don't like it because it isn't anything like we thought it was or is.

I will give you a little insight. As a beginner I played a sax for 4 years as a beginner in my 40s and the conductor of the band died and the band died and I stopped playing.

At 62 I had health issues one of them being a stoke but I was lucky that it didn't distroy my brain, fingers, etc, although counting money and speaking are slow.

So I started playing the piano and couldn't afford a teacher, but what I did know was that I wanted to play classical music.

As far as you are concerned, you are in a slightly different situation but only because you don't have previous experience in music so I will touch on that. The most important thing is desire and it sounds like you have that so you are good to go.

There are some things that you haven't mentioned so I tell you a few things. None of these things matter but they give you a little insight into the situation. I typed since I was 13 years old so I have some finger dexterity and if you don't - probably - then you could be a little slower as a beginner. No matter who you are - everybody is very, very, very, very slow when it comes to learning the piano at any age and you have to be very, very, very patient with your progress. For instance, even when I played the sax for 4 years with an excellent teacher, when it came time to be able to play the piano and play hands together, I thought my brain would explode trying to do it and it took me almost 6 months before I began to be able to slowly play 2 notes at the same time in a little beginner piece of music. Now having said that, that is not to discourage you because most people go through the same experience, but I tell you that so that you are just like everybody else when you begin. You are not in a worse position but simply that is the reality of playing a piano. I love it, but it is a struggle and I have always loved struggles so it is no bother to me.

It is important to follow the teacher's instructions because they can see what you can't see - not to mention what they can hear and you can't hear because you are a beginner!

Reaching your young age, you know that already - but even then - we as humans think we know better and try to do things in a way - that are better - so you think - but in learning the piano there is - no magic - just a commitment to working hard and being serious about your commitment. The rewards will be slow and small at first but it takes about 1 to 2 years before you see some reality in your journey.

You will be guided by your teacher and those people in this forum who are more experienced than you and myself who will give you some good information and direction. The people are very nice and are always willing to help. So even thought you have a teacher, it is always nice to reach out to the people here who share your journey and have experienced the same trials and tribulations.

cheers, and the best of luck to you in your journey. I will see you in the slow lane somewhere down the piano road of excitement and joy.

Welcome, Jilski -- I'm 68 and started a little over 2 years ago -- you'll get good advice here

As for an instrument, get the best one you can afford -- all will tell you that each person should try out the instruments she is considering -- you are the final judge. If you have a friend that plays, bring the person with you. One thing I learned with digital pianos is to see what adjustments the piano allows, especially in touch -- some have 3 levels, some 5, and some allow a great deal of fine tuning.

When interviewing a teacher have some idea if you can of the type of music you would like to play.

Enjoy your new adventure -- and as Michael_99 says, patience is so important.

I feel like such a youngster on this thread... started last year at age 38.

Re: digital vs. acoustic, I would advise taking a hard look at your goals. Specifically, do you want to be able to play an acoustic? Would you like to be able to play an acoustic that you stumble across at a friend's house, or while traveling, and so on?

A digital, no matter how sophisticated, is inherently easier to play than an acoustic. At all but the very highest levels, the sound will decay very rapidly. This means that one can get away with all sorts of "sins" re: poor pedaling habits. Once you get used to the very forgiving characteristics of a digital, it's a pretty steep learning curve to be able to play an acoustic.

Also, a digital has an intractable limitation, regardless of how high end it might be, in that it's output comes to your ears via a paper/plastic cone. An acoustic generates sound via several square feet of spruce.

If you think you'd like to play acoustics, I would recommend starting there. Do the leg work to find a decent used one. It may not be in ideal condition, but it will get you started. Be prepared though to get it tuned once or twice a year. Those of us in climates that have all four seasons typically do it twice a year (and it really needs it), so that's $200-$300, not cheap.

One final thought... you'll find all sorts of threads about people getting their first acoustic and how thrilled (and challenged) they are with this new experience. You'll also hear references to dusty digitals, used only for late night practice. True, some people who upgrade to an acoustic may still enjoy and use their digitals more regularly.

But... I can't ever recall a thread along the lines of "got rid of my acoustic today and I'm completely over the moon with my new digital". It just doesn't happen.

<now accepting wagers re: how long it takes for someone to find an exception>

_________________________
"...when you do practice properly, it seems to take no time at all. Just do it right five times or so, and then stop." -- JimF

Keep in mind that a low end, decent acoustic will cost the same or more than a high end DP. Don't go thinking you're getting too good with a high end DP. DP's only approach what an acoustic is. They come close. One of the biggest things is the keys. People don't know any better. So they buy. Please look at something like a Kawai CA65 or even a VPC1 or MP10 or even an ES7. Look at some of the better Roland's and Yamaha's. Opinions will think you don't deserve that as a beginner. Realistically, you're only coming close to an acoustic. Only things I would rule out are like an AvantGrand or a V-Piano, for a beginner. And you're only spending as much as a decent used upright acoustic would cost.

Yes it does matter right from the beginning. What I have is a world of difference from an entry level DP. It has helped me pick up right from the beginning, feel, touch, expression. I'm very lucky to have picked up my old high end keyboard. You might very well be disappointed with something that isn't a higher end DP. At this point, you can't tell for yourself the difference.

You're retired. You don't have money to keep blowing on upgrading piano's. Please read the thread on getting used to an upright. It will open your eyes to what I'm talking about.

. . . Thanks again... open to suggestions as to pianos. Can't do very large or very expensive. . . .

There are extensive (and often-started) threads about this, on the "Digital Pianos and Synths" sub-forum. "Very expensive" varies a lot, person-to-person.

If a digital piano is what you can fit into the house, or what you can afford to buy, don't worry about it too much. The current generation of "low-priced" DP's (meaning, roughly, below $1000) is considerably better than previous generations.

Visit some music stores, ask questions, get some idea of how much you want to spend.

I found a teacher who specializes in "adult education" -- they're around, if you look.

Jilski,You have received so much good advice here that I hesitate to add any more. But, hey, you can never have too much info when it comes to pianos, can you!

My background is that I'm 65, started piano 2 and a half years ago, and still going. I have a Yamaha Arius 135 (similar to YDP141). I have never had a teacher but I hope to have one eventually, maybe with a lesson every 2 weeks.

If you decide to use a piano method course:

I studied most of the Rocket Piano on-line books & videos but found them rather boring with insufficient exercises.

I then worked my way through Alfred's Adult All-in-One Books 1-3 in 2 years and can thoroughly recommend them - if you are a self-motivated person with sticking power. You probably have enough life experience to know if you are like that.

Where a piano is concerned, I would think carefully before spending a vast amount of money. Firstly, you cannot be sure at the moment if you will stick with piano. Many don't.In favour of digitals, remember that they can be played with headphones, without annoying others, and they don't need expensive tuning. When you have played for a couple of years you will know far more about what you want from a piano and can upgrade successfully to a better digital or an acoustic.There are decent digital pianos such as the Yamaha P105, the Yamaha Arius or Casio PX series that are reasonably priced for what they offer and will serve you well in your first years.

I am still a beginner, and I don't have an ear for music, either, but I am certainly more discerning than 2yrs ago, and aware of the strengths & weaknesses of my entry-level piano.If I upgrade (and I am tempted!) it will probably be to a Kawai ES7 digital.

As so many others here have said, age is not a barrier to learning. I hope you'll find this forum as encouraging & inspiring as I have.

Hi Jilski, good for you and follow your dreams! I have started and stopped studyingthe piano for years and just this fall I've started and am doing my best study inmy life. I am 54 and although younger then you, I too often felt I was too old. But you're never too old if you want to do something you really love. You will find lots of great support and advise here. I have a very old electric piano (yes it is that old) and a beautiful acoustic piano. Finding the right teacher is essential though as a great teacher will inspire you to go home and practise and practise more and more. There are a lot of really bad piano teachers out there, moreso because the instrument is so common among young people who master a certain level by the time they are adult and then think they're accomplished enough to teach a beginner. Most important is to find someone you trust and feel comfortable with and who will inspire you.I didn't realize there were so many people in their sixties here who have started studying recently. it is incredibly exciting. I am still learning new instruments and currently working on four right now, and hoping to add two more in the near future. Making music among adults is a wonderful thing.

I love this message board. You are all so very generous in your replies. As of a few hours ago I am the proud owner of a Yamaha P155B digital piano!!!!! I have a smile on my face from ear to ear. I also came home with the Alfred Adult All-In-One book. I also have the names of 2 highly recommended piano teachers and have checked the sites/on line programs that offer piano instruction. Not sure yet which direction I'll take as far as learning... this week I'll see what I understand from the book and perhaps some online sites. I know how one learns is a very individual decision... learning an instrument is so different than other things i have learned on my own (computer skills and photography come to mind right away... I am a bit of a digital geek... but this newest venture seems really different... and it's a lifetime dream. It'll be interesting to see which path seems right as far as my learning. Thank you again dear generous people. Message boards such as this one makes my world more manageable.

You kids are not too old--after I got my Ph.D. at 76 I needed a new challenge. So at 78, I started piano, never EVER having had any music instruction. You're only too old for something if you think you are.

Jilski,I too am a digital geek. You will find Excel spreadsheets a wonderful tool for recording your practice sessions, giving you automatic percentages for how far you've progressed through a book etc. Why, you can even have rows in your spreadsheet that light up red & let you know when you haven't practised something for a week! Yes, indeed, digital geekiness & piano go hand in hand.

As you can see by all the replies, the limitations you face are few but the rewards are many.

A point worth noting is that there can be significant medical benefits as well. As my Username indicates, piano is my scrip. Since taking up the piano a couple of years ago my blood pressure has dropped to the point where I have been weaned off the BP meds by my doctor. (In fact, he was inspired, by my results, to return to the piano himself. He had taken lessons for several years in his youth.) I find the piano to be most relaxing and actually enjoy practicing. I can get lost in playing and before I know it, a couple of hours has passed and I feel great.

It is also a great way to keep your mind and eye hand coordination sharp. Countless studies indicate that the study of music will enhance your cognitive skills. I have experienced a definite increase in memory capability since taking up the piano.

Like you, I cannot sing but love music... always have. I was not able to devote the time until my retirement. I realize I will never be a concert pianist and play solely for my own enjoyment and for the challenge. You will have good days and bad days but such is life in all matters.

You may have to change teachers a few times as not all of them are good with adult students. No big deal. If you can find one that has a significant adult roster that is probably a good sign.

I am 55 and have wanted to learn to play for a long time. This spring, while at an auction, I saw a beautiful upright. I was determined to purchase it. But as the auction day grew closer, I researched and researched until I determined that an acoustic was not the best choice for me. The place in my house where it would fit (because of it's size) is an unheated sunroom, prone to wide temperature changes. It would need very frequent tunings. Plus with a digital I could put it in my living room and not bother anyone with my practice (I use headphones most of the time). Also being able to play midi files on my piano would make self-instruction so much easier. SO I bought a Yamaha Clavinova and started. I found a very good teacher and have one 30 minute lesson per week on an acoustic. There is a huge difference between my piano and the one I have my lessons on, but I am still very happy with my choice.

I started learning in April. I am in the Alfred 2nd book now, I can play the first two parts of Fur Elise, I can play most of a pretty complicated jazz piece and I know how much more quickly I can read music now. I am progressing quite well....better than I expected. I am so happy that I finally did this. I very much enjoy it and I know you will too!

Monday morning I have my first piano lesson! Really hoping we click and I want to continue to work with him. In the meantime, I've been using Steve's Fur Elise tutorial (thank you so much for this!) and loving it. For the past few days when I get up in the morning I immediately sit down at the piano to see if I remember what I've memorized from the day before. Playing these first few notes that I've learned is incredibly exciting. Life begins at 65!